Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz Interested in Early 2015 Fight

Former UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva (pictured) is hellbent on returning to the cage after snapping his left shin in two in December against Chris Weidman.

Nick Diaz, who is currently retired, said he’d be more than happy to come back and welcome Silva back to MMA – if the price is right.

“I spoke to Diaz and he said he’d be interested in the fight [with Silva],” reporter Ariel Helwani revealed on this week’s edition of “UFC Tonight.” “He had previously said he’d come out of retirement only for Anderson Silva or Georges St-Pierre, but it would have to make financial sense. He thinks it could be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.

“People in Silva’s camp really like this fight, as well.”

Diaz initially announced his retirement after losing a controversial decision to Carlos Condit for the interim welterweight title at UFC 143, a bout Diaz was positive he had won. He returned 13 months later to challenge then-champ Georges St-Pierre for this throne at UFC 158.

Diaz was thoroughly trounced for a unanimous decision defeat and re-retired immediately after.

Nick recently said he’d return if he received a hefty raise – to the tune of $500,000 per fight.

Silva, meanwhile, has made significant strides in his recovery from one of the most horrific injuries ever witnessed inside the octagon. “The Spider” has resumed light training and is already gently kicking a heavy bag.

Despite the fact both athletes are coming off two consecutive losses, based on their names in the game, Silva’s past accomplishments and the intrigue surrounding his return, and Diaz’s unparalleled ability to sell a fight, this scrap could draw significant pay-per-view numbers if it comes to fruition.